By Ziquan Miao
Scientists believe that recently found skeletal remains, dating back from 30,000 to 40,000 years ago, may represent a cross between a human and Neanderthals. Further analysis may prove that the remains belonged to the first known hybrid of this kind, showing direct evidence that humans and Neanderthals interbred. Based on the morphology of the lower jaw, the specimen contains traits from both Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis. The individual would have looked like an intermediary between classic Neanderthals, whom lack chins, and modern humans, whom have a projecting lower jaw and a well-defined chin. Genetic analysis of the specimen has concluded that the specimen is part Neanderthal. Scientists suspect that the specimen is a cross between a female Neanderthal and a male Homo sapiens.
It is well established that some 45,000 years ago, Homo sapiens and Neanderthals coexisted in the European regions. However, the similarities between both species’ mandibles further reinforces the theory that Homo sapiens invaded the Neanderthal dominated region of Europe and eventually outcompeted and replaced the Neanderthal populations. This recent revelation is certainly important and critical for establishing humanity’s link to the tree of life, and it also encourages more research into the field.